Rutland/Marlec HRDX as a solar controller

Tim O

Tim O

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Hi

Anyone know if the Rutland/Marlec HRDX controller will function as a solar controller only?

It has inputs for a wind turbine and up to 100W solar panel...Im looking at purchasing a solar panel and selling my 913 wind turbine as i cant fit it on my ketch, but will need a controller for the solar panel so wondering if the HRDX can be used with a solar panel alone...and if so...is it ok at the job!!!...ow would i be better getting a dedicated solar controller?

It seems reading this https://www.marlec.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/HRDX-Owners-Manual-C.pdf it could also function as a battery monitor too?
 
Mine controls the solar fine on the solar input. For a while my wind gen was off and still ok. Ask Marlec they are brilliant at responding to queries immediately with good sensible technical advice. I would expect that you could control 2 solar panels instead of 1 wind and one solar. The HRDX is a bit industrial in its build (metal casing) but seems very robust in build-mine has run faultlessly for about 11 years now and the display showing amps input from each source and voltage of each bank of batteries is very useful information.
 
I might be missing something, but doesn't it already work without a windgen when there's sun but no wind? It must surely be designed to work with input from either source.

I have an HRDi unit and store the windgen every winter but leave some panels in place. I've never seen any problem with this and output is always close to what I'd expect. HRDX should behave in a similar fashion.

Following might be of interest if you decide to add more solar panels at a later date:
I've never tried to connect solar panels to the windgen input instead of a 913. I suppose that would allow me to fit more solar panels without installing another regulator. The HRDi has coped with 8A for > 24hours in cloudy windy weather, so the windgen input can cope with output from a 100W panel. It actually copes with at least 15A in gusts so 8A shouldn't be an issue.

Efficiency is another matter as the HRDi and HRDX both use PWM. My guess it that it would be OK but you'd need a blocking diode. Certainly worth asking Marlec about how well an HRDX would cope with a panels on both inputs (windgen & solar).
 
PaulRainbow said:
Tim is considering a single 60w panel, so PWM is going to be better than MPPT. The panel does have blocking diodes.
Click to expand...

I was thinking about connecting panels to the windgen output later in addition to panels on the dedicated solar input. It was actually a later thought I had about doing this. I realise OP was actually asking about using the dedicated solar input, not the one intended for the windgen. Just thought he might want to ask Marlec for future reference if he was already going to contact them.
 
Mistroma said:
I was thinking about connecting panels to the windgen output later in addition to panels on the dedicated solar input. It was actually a later thought I had about doing this. I realise OP was actually asking about using the dedicated solar input, not the one intended for the windgen. Just thought he might want to ask Marlec for future reference if he was already going to contact them.
Click to expand...

Yes, i agree it would be handy to know. The controller looks quite useful as it will charge two banks and provides some monitoring functions.
 
GHA said:
The wind side has a shutdown switch which looks like it just short circuits the wind gen, no idea if that makes any difference..
Click to expand...

If it's anything like the HRDi, the switch on the regulator cuts out both wind and solar. After advice from Marlec,I have installed another switch so that I can shut down the wind generator, but still have solar.
 
Tim O said:
Im looking at purchasing a solar panel and selling my 913 wind turbine as i cant fit it on my ketch,
Click to expand...
Why do you think that you can't fit the WG? Mine fits quite nicely on the Mizzen along with my Solars.
Re the Regulator, if you do ditch the WG you would be better selling the reg with it as it's a bit big and OTT for Solar. A solar reg is only about a tenner on the net.

solar%201.jpg
 
NormanS said:
If it's anything like the HRDi, the switch on the regulator cuts out both wind and solar. After advice from Marlec,I have installed another switch so that I can shut down the wind generator, but still have solar.
Click to expand...

Certainly turns them both off, though not sure if it shorts out the solar like it does wind.
 
LadyInBed said:
Re the Regulator, if you do ditch the WG you would be better selling the reg with it as it's a bit big and OTT for Solar. A solar reg is only about a tenner on the net.
Click to expand...

That was my first thought, although i would not entertain a £10 controller, prefer to trust £300 worth of panels and £300 worth of batteries to something of better quality.

But, if one takes into account that the controller is quality, it will independently charge two battery banks and it does have some monitoring capabilities, i'm not so sure.
 
PaulRainbow said:
But, if one takes into account that the controller is quality, it will independently charge two battery banks and it does have some monitoring capabilities, I'm not so sure.
Click to expand...
Sorry, just looked up the one I have, it's £33.99 (dual battery charge) (works very well)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dual-battery-10A-solar-panel-charge-controller-regulator-12-24V-for-camper-boat-/120910730156
One for a single battery with Voltage display is only £6.52 !!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-20-30A...e-Intelligent-Controller-12-24V-/262781617796
 
LadyInBed said:
Sorry, just looked up the one I have, it's [FONT=&]£33.99 (dual battery charge) (works very well)
[/FONT]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dual-battery-10A-solar-panel-charge-controller-regulator-12-24V-for-camper-boat-/120910730156
One for a single battery with Voltage display is only £6.52 !!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-20-30A...e-Intelligent-Controller-12-24V-/262781617796
Click to expand...

Thanks, I'll check that out....The main reason against keeping the WG was the extra cost of having to have bracket made for mizzen..... Selling the WG gives cash to pay for solar setup and more......Budgets tight, and engine repairs still pending!!!
 
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Tim O said:
Thanks, I'll check that out....The main reason against keeping the WG was the extra cost of having to have bracket made for mizzen..... Selling the WG gives cash to pay for solar setup and more......Budgets tight, and engine repairs still pending!!!
Click to expand...
Someone is more likely to buy WG with Reg and selling price of Reg will probably be more than cost of new Solar Reg.
 
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